St George Illawarra superstar Tyson Frizell has declared his desire to join boom youngsters Tristan Sailor and Zac Lomax in re-signing with the club.
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Sailor signed with the Dragons on a one-year deal on Wednesday, before Lomax's mammoth six-year contract was announced on Thursday as the organisation attempts to lock down a number of stars long term.
With James Graham, Tim Lafai, Euan Aitken and Jacob Host also off contract at the end of next season, Frizell is high on the St George Illawarra priority list.
Despite persistent rumours that he could depart following the 2020 season, or even earlier, Frizell declared his preference is to remain in Wollongong.
"I'd love to stay with the Dragons," Frizell told the Mercury. "We'll see how things work out and we'll go from there.
"I've just come back this week from holidays, so hopefully sooner rather than later we can sort something out."
Having featured in the Test matches against New Zealand and Tonga at the conclusion of the NRL season, Frizell has enjoyed a break from the game in recent weeks.
With the Dragons experiencing a major overhaul in his time away, the 28-year-old is looking forward to commencing his pre-season campaign on Monday.
"I've had a little bit of time away with the family, which has been good. It's nice to have some time away from footy and spend it with family.
"It's that time of year now where I get back into training, start knuckling down and doing my best to improve myself for next year.
"I've tried to keep myself in good nick, the older you get the more you look after yourself. I think I'm okay at the moment but I won't really know until I get back to training.
"From all reports, the boys have been ripping in and doing the hard yards the last few weeks. It's always a tough part of the year, but it's what sets you up for the year.
"As a club and as players, we're looking forward to next year."
Frizell is set for a reunion when he does return to training next week, with former Sharks assistant James Shepherd joining the Dragons last month.
Also preparing to start at St George Illawarra is former Cronulla head coach Shane Flanagan, who's NRL suspension concludes on December 18.
Having played the first two years of his NRL career with the Dragons' fierce rivals, Frizell said he's looking forward to working with two very smart rugby league minds.
"I started with Shane, and under 20s coach Shep is also there as well. It's funny how things work out and I'm back with the coaches where I started off my rugby league career, so I'm looking forward to going back to training and seeing all those fresh faces.
"Every coach I've played with has played a part in my career and getting me to where I am today. It's going to be nice to team up with those guys and be coached by them once again, it's exciting."
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